These third and fourth graders have considered different problems that can be solved through chemical engineering, and have been working to find solutions for them.
As a culmination of this unit, they were visited by two chemical engineers, who helped them make connections between their classroom learning and the real world.
Jack Broering is a retired chemical engineer from the Dow Chemical Company, and often devotes time to helping students.
He, along with Ankurman Shrestha, a University of Cincinnati doctoral student, discussed their work with the class.
Broering shared how his ideas have helped to improve products, such as Styrofoam, and how he has worked with teams of engineers to assist them in streamlining the processes they use in their projects.
Since Mr. Shrestha’s current work revolves around improving wastewater treatment processes, he was able to share some new technologies and processes that are being developed in this important field.
Each student was also able to get advice from these professionals to apply to the current projects on which they are working.
The students in this class have gained a respect for this career, and some have been inspired to further their learning in this area as a result of these experiences.